title: Modelling of healthcare-associated infections: a study on the dynamics of pathogen transmission by using an individual-based approach.
abstract: Prevention and control of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) has become a high priority for most healthcare organizations. Mathematical models can provide insights into the dynamics of nosocomial infections and help to evaluate the effect of infection control measures. The model presented in this paper adopts an individual-based and stochastic approach to investigate MRSA outbreaks in a hospital ward. A computer simulation was implemented to analyze the dynamics of the system associated with the spread of the infection and to carry out studies on space and personnel management. This study suggests that a strict spatial cohorting might be ineffective, if it is not combined with personnel cohorting.
authors.affiliation: SIMBIOS Centre, University of Abertay Dundee, Dundee DD1 1HG, UK. lorenzo.milazzo@physics.org
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Milazzo
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Bown
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eberst
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Crawford
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006801:Humans; D017757:Infectious Disease Transmission, Professional-to-Patient; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology